Is WWE’s prodigy signing, Gable Steveson, headed to UFC? On September 12, 2025, Steveson took the internet by storm when he made his MMA debut at LFA 217 against Braden Peterson in the Heavyweight bout. The 25-year-old showcased great potential, taking care of business and mauling his way to earn his first victory in the world of mixed martial arts.
What’s shocking is that ‘The Olympic Gold Medalist’ was once considered a sensation in the world of wrestling, as evidenced by WWE’s multiyear deal with him in 2021 (via ESPN). The report also stated how the company set up a remote training facility for him near his campus, where he can learn from WWE’s coaches to sharpen his in-ring skills and become the next Kurt Angle.
However, he failed to show the progress that World Wrestling Entertainment expected from him. Additionally, a report from Wrestling Observer Newsletter (via WrestlingNews.co) reported how “everything is cold on Gable Steveson,” and how Damon Kemp, his brother, was doing better. Dave Meltzer mentioned in the report that WWE wanted to make his “debut,” but the reviews were not good enough, and he left a lackluster impression.
In 2023, he had his first match at NXT The Great American Bash against Baron Corbin, who fans hated at that time. Steveson’s performance was so underwhelming that the crowd preferred to cheer Corbin. In 2024, after his underwhelming performance, the company decided to release him.
Jon Jones’ Praise Suggests What’s Next for Gable Stevenson in UFC
Gable Steveson has made a dominant debut with a 1-0 record, securing a first-round victory, and that too, in 98 seconds! This was a much-needed win for him, especially after how he failed to leave a lasting impression in the squared circle, making the WWE Universe forget about his existence. Check out the clip below:
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Gable Steveson MAULS Braden Peterson in the first round of his MMA debut.
WHAT A START TO HIS CAREER 🔥 #LFA217 @LFAfighting pic.twitter.com/cN1zffVCU3
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) September 13, 2025
Jon Jones, the mentor of the WWE alum, was also present in the crowd and had some proud words for Steveson as he made his transition to combat sports. During a backstage interview at LFA217 (via X), the two-time Light Heavyweight Champion called his mentee a “freak athlete” who is “incredibly fast,” “powerful,” and “intelligent,” always showcasing a great “work ethic” to be on the top. He said,
He’s a freak athlete. He’s incredibly fast, he is powerful, he is intelligent. He has the work ethic, and he’s shown our team, Greg Jackson and I, Brendon Gibson and I, that he’s willing to humble himself and surround himself with the best, and I think he has the perfect formula to go all the way to the top.
Jones’ lofty words about Steveson’s massive win in the Octagon showcase that this was just the beginning for him. If he keeps up the momentum, he could find himself competing at the UFC, the pinnacle of MMA, where he could even become one of the many greats to enter the Octagon and cement their legacy.
While Gable Steveson could not become the next Kurt Angle, he surely could become the next “God’s perfect fighting machine,” like Brock Lesnar.
Why Was Gable Steveson Released from WWE?
Gable Steveson’s release from WWE was understandable, as reports showcase his lack of in-ring progress, and his underwhelming debut failed to match the buzz created around him. It sounds absurd that the WWE crowd can hate on an Olympic Gold Medalist, especially when we have seen Angle competing and hyping the crowd with his performances.
However, Steveson got his name tied to a s**ual misconduct charge (via AP News), which made the fans hate him even more. To make matters more grim for him, Booker T explained the true reason: he was not good enough for the wrestling business. During an episode of his Hall of Fame podcast, the Hall of Famer explained how people had great expectations of him, and he could not deliver them because he was not committed enough. He said,
As far as the build-up, you could see that, with what people were expecting to see from Gable Steveson. Just because he had the look, he had everything you check off as far as the box goes, he had all of that. For it not to pan out, I think it was him not really buying all in, not really saying, ‘Man, I’m really gonna throw everything into doing this and being the best at it.’
‘King Booker’ continued that the “wrestling bug” inside his brain hindered him from fully being himself, giving him a tough time inside the ring, which eventually made him have “one foot in the door and one foot out.” Since he could not find a solution to his ‘potential’ problem, it becomes quite clear why WWE released him, as his achievements were only good on paper.
Since Gable Steveson made a fiery debut in the world of MMA, do you think he has what it takes to be a top name in this sport? Let us know in the comments below!
